La Roche-Posay guide: Effaclar, Cicaplast, Lipikar, Anthelios and more

Skincare & beauty ·Published 27 October 2026 ·Reviewed 27 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

La Roche-Posay is easiest to understand by range. Effaclar is for oily and acne-prone skin, Toleriane for sensitive skin, Lipikar for very dry and eczema-prone skin on the body, Cicaplast for dry, irritated patches, and Anthelios is the sunscreen range. On top of those there are targeted serums for hydration, dark spots and signs of ageing.

Here’s how we’d explain each one at the counter, and when it’s worth talking to a pharmacist instead.

What is La Roche-Posay?

La Roche-Posay is a French skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by L’Oréal since 1989. It’s named after the town of La Roche-Posay, which has had a thermal spa focused on skin since 1905, and most products contain its thermal spring water. The brand says the water is naturally rich in selenium, an antioxidant.

Which La Roche-Posay range suits your skin?

Effaclar: oily and acne-prone skin

Effaclar Duo+M is the range’s best-known product. It’s a moisturiser with niacinamide, salicylic acid, LHA (a relative of salicylic acid) and zinc, made for oily, mild acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay says it’s suitable from 10 years of age, that some people notice a temporary “purge” of breakouts when they start, and that it should be used at a different time of day from retinol.

The Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum contains salicylic acid, LHA and glycolic acid, and the brand suggests starting it 2 or 3 times a week. Because glycolic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, wear sunscreen every morning while you use it.

Acne products take time: give any routine 6 to 8 weeks. If your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving, read our guide to acne treatment at the pharmacy and talk to a pharmacist or GP.

Toleriane: sensitive skin

Toleriane is the range for skin that reacts easily. The Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser contains ceramides, niacinamide and the brand’s thermal water, and it’s fragrance-free. If your skin is sensitive, it’s worth patch testing any new product on a small area for a few days first.

Lipikar: very dry and eczema-prone skin

Lipikar is a body range for very dry skin. The Lipikar AP+MAX Moisturising Cream (formerly called Lipikar AP+M Balm) contains shea butter and niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay says Lipikar Lait is suitable for mild eczema-prone skin. Some Lipikar products are designed for babies and children too; check the pack for the minimum age, or ask us.

If you’re managing eczema, moisturise at least twice a day, including when your skin is clear, and apply your moisturiser to damp skin after a short, lukewarm shower. Moisturisers won’t settle a flare on their own, so see a pharmacist or GP if your skin is red, weepy, cracked or infected.

Cicaplast: dry, rough or irritated patches

Cicaplast Baume B5+ is a thick balm with 5% panthenol (vitamin B5) and madecassoside, for dry, rough or irritated patches on the face and body. La Roche-Posay says Cicaplast Baume B5+ and the Cicaplast B5 Spray can be used on babies from 3 months.

If your skin is broken, weeping or looks infected, or you’re not sure what a rash is, ask one of our pharmacists before reaching for a balm.

Anthelios: La Roche-Posay sunscreen

The Anthelios sunscreens we’ve listed here are SPF50+ and, like all sunscreens sold in Australia, listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

• Anthelios UVMune 400 Ultra Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is a light fluid for the face.
• Anthelios Tinted Fluid SPF50+ adds a light tint, handy if you skip foundation.
• Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF50+ is a body sunscreen that La Roche-Posay says is water resistant for 4 hours, even when you apply it to wet skin.

Cancer Council Queensland recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, applied at least 20 minutes before you go outside, about 7 teaspoons (35 mL) for an adult’s whole body, and reapplied every 2 hours and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Our guide to the best sunscreen for the Gold Coast explains more. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

The serums

• Hyalu B5: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and madecassoside for dehydrated skin.
• Mela B3: 10% niacinamide plus Melasyl, the brand’s ingredient for dark spots and uneven tone. Daily sunscreen is essential if you’re treating pigmentation; see our guide to pigmentation and melasma.
• Retinol B3: 0.3% retinol with niacinamide. The brand suggests using it in the evening, starting 2 or 3 times a week. Our retinol for beginners guide explains how to start.
• Pure Vitamin C12: 12% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with salicylic acid. La Roche-Posay says not to use it in the same routine as retinol, so use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

La Roche-Posay advises avoiding retinol and other vitamin A products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your GP or one of our pharmacists before you start any new active skincare, including acne products, if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

How can our team help?

We stock La Roche-Posay at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair. Our beauty advisors can help you find the right range for your skin through our skincare advice in store. Our pharmacists can help if you have eczema, acne, rosacea or another skin condition, use prescription creams, or are choosing products for a baby. You can also browse the facial skincare range on priceline.com.au or ask us at Pacific Fair.

Comparing brands? See our guides to CeraVe, The Ordinary, Medicube and Boring Without You.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• Your eczema is flaring, weepy, cracked or infected, or the itch is keeping you awake.
• Your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving after 2 to 3 months.
• A product stings, burns or causes a rash that doesn’t settle when you stop using it.
• You have a rash you’re not sure about, or a spot or mole that’s new or changing.
• You’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding and want to use active skincare.

A GP can talk to you about prescription treatments. The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, are one option while you’re at Pacific Fair.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.